Adventure & Fantasy:
* The Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan: A classic fantasy series with engaging characters and thrilling quests.
* Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan: Greek mythology meets contemporary life in this action-packed series.
* The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: Timeless fantasy filled with memorable characters and imaginative worlds.
* The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: A fun blend of fantasy and folklore that involves a family discovering a magical world.
* Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy: A darkly humorous series about a young detective who teams up with a magical skeleton.
* The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini: Dragons, magic, and epic battles abound in this epic fantasy series.
* The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau: A story of survival and hope in a futuristic underground city.
Contemporary & Realistic Fiction:
* Wonder by R.J. Palacio: A heartwarming and insightful story about a boy with facial differences navigating middle school.
* The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: A powerful and timely novel about a teenage girl who witnesses a police shooting of her friend.
* The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie: A humorous and poignant story about a Native American boy who leaves his reservation to attend an all-white high school.
* Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell: A charming and relatable story about two teenagers who find love and connection through their shared passion for music.
* Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli: A quirky and unforgettable story about a girl who challenges the norms of her high school.
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A historical novel narrated by Death, about a young girl who finds solace in reading during World War II.
* A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle: A classic science fiction novel about a girl who travels through time and space to rescue her father.
Historical Fiction:
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (mentioned above)
* Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: A powerful story about a young girl who helps her best friend escape Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II.
* Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor: A gripping story about a black family in Mississippi during the Great Depression.
* The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis: A heartwarming and historical journey of a family traveling from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama during the Civil Rights movement.
Other Genres:
* The Giver by Lois Lowry: A thought-provoking dystopian novel about a society where everyone lives in a seemingly perfect world, but at a cost.
* Holes by Louis Sachar: A hilarious and suspenseful story about a boy who is sent to a summer camp where he is forced to dig holes all day.
* The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (mentioned above)
Tips for Choosing:
* Consider their interests: Does your child enjoy fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, or something else?
* Look at age recommendations: While 12-13 is a broad range, pay attention to age ranges listed on books.
* Read reviews: See what other readers, parents, and educators are saying about the book.
* Check out the first few chapters: You can often get a feel for the book by reading the first few chapters online.
* Make it fun: Encourage your child to explore different genres and find books that they truly enjoy.
Remember, this is just a starting point! There are many great books out there for 12-13 year olds. The most important thing is to find books that spark their imagination and encourage them to become lifelong readers.